buddha daily wisdom image

tha-ap.495 Thera Apadana

Koraṇḍapupphiya

I was then a forest-worker,
as were father and grandfathers.
Earning my living killing beasts,
no wholesomeness exists for me.

In the area where I lived,
Tissa, Chief Leader of the World,
Eyeful One, compassionately
showed me three of his own footsteps.

And having seen the stepping feet
of the Teacher known as Tissa,
happy, and with a happy heart,
I pleased my heart about his feet.

Seeing a koraṇḍa in bloom,
foot-drinker growing in the earth,
taking a sprig with flowers, I
did pūja to those best of feet.

Due to that karma done very well,
with intention and firm resolve,
discarding my human body,
I went to Tāvatiṁsa then.

In whichever womb I’m reborn,
whether it’s human or divine,
I have koraṇḍa-colored skin;
I’m radiantly beautiful.

In the ninety-two aeons since
I did that good karma back then,
I’ve come to know no bad rebirth:
that’s the fruit of worshipping feet.

My defilements are now burnt up;
all new existence is destroyed.
Like elephants with broken chains,
I am living without constraint.

Being in Best Buddha’s presence
was a very good thing for me.
The three knowledges are attained;
I have done what the Buddha taught!

The four analytical modes,
and these eight deliverances,
six special knowledges mastered,
I have done what the Buddha taught!

Thus indeed Venerable Koraṇḍapupphiya Thera spoke these verses.

The legend of Koraṇḍapupphiya Thera is finished.

- Translator: Jonathan S. Walters

- Editor: Ayya Vimala